Philadelphia Daily News from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 90

iuri THURSDAY, JULY 8, "1999 PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS PAGE 91 ,3 VSBK Wolf Pack provides a howling good time Ltd mid mm i11 wOLr lilliilnm unite, i.i. in. i hi. i im ar 11 1 in by Kevin Mulligan YONG KIMDAILY NEWS The Wolf Pack is in full roar when Phillies rookie Randy Wolf takes the mound Daily News Sports Writer The Wood brothers eight of them were enjoying a night out together, shooting pool in Al's basement with the Phillies on the tube, when the conversation turned to new addition Randy Wolf. The "Callup Kid" was mowing down Padres right and left on June 16.

"He had just struck somebody but to end an inning and we all went nuts," said Kevin Wood, 26. "And we got to talking about how great it is for him to come up and add some hope and some more positive impact on the Phillies. "Out of the blue, I said, 'Let's go down there and root him on wearing wolf masks the next time he pitches. Everybody was like, 'Yeah, great idea, let's do The Wolf Pack, Philly's enthusiastic new fan club, was born. Their den's address: Section 739, in the upper reaches of left-centerfield at Veterans Stadium.

"The next day, we started looking all over the area for wolf masks," said Joe Wood. "You should see the looks we got in the party stores and costume stores. One guy told us it's a little early for the Halloween stuff." Randy Wolf's howling, dancing and yes, growling group of furry-faced supporters has grown to approximately 15 full-fledged, mask-wearing members. Some might eall it the Wood Bros. friends, most of them graduates of Archbishop Carroll and Upper Darby high schools.

Every time Wolf pitches, they'll be there. Had they been able to purchase tickets to his June 27 start at Chicago, many would have been at Wrigley for that one, too. "I hear them, sure. It's awesome," said Wolf, who was lifted from a 2-2 game for a pinch-hitter after six innings and 120 pitches in the Phils' victory over Milwaukee last night. "I think any time you have a group of people trying to bring a little extra to the games, it can do nothing but good.

I leve to see that." Of the eight Wood brothers, all sons of a retired Philadelphia policeman, four (Jimmy, Kevin, John and Charles) followed their dad into the Philadelphia Police Department. Charles, 29, now is a rookie trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police. Another friend, Bill Evans, is a Marine. Charles also is by far the best dancer in the group. He was asked if he'd be caught dead by his fellow troopers dancing in public and making wolf sounds at a baseball game without a mask on.

"They know and they think it's pretty funny," Wolf Charles said. "I was supposed to go out with some of my fellow troopers one night, but I chose to be with the Wolf Pack. Have to. I'm a loyal member. Hey, I took off work last week to do this.

That's how much I enjoy it I mean, look at us all. We're having a blast." Rolen's game-winning homer last night. The masks come in all shapes, colors and levels of wolfness. The werewolf mask appears the most popular, but a couple members of the group paid more than $50 for quality, fanged, lifelike masks. A couple others? Yo fellas, proud Wolf Pack members invest a few bucks.

"We went to 10 different stores," said Wolfmaster Kevin. "We were running out of options, so at the mart in Delaware County, we asked the guy for a phone book. We looked under costumes and we drove to a costume store in Wayne, and bought what he had. He's probably out there seeing us and shouting, 'Those are my masks! My TThe word is spreading about the Wolf Pack. They have made TV during Phillies telecasts and their picture has appeared in a couple major newspapers.

Mark Atkinson, of Royersford, was doing business in Center City yesterday and bought a ticket to the game, primarily for one reason. "I had to check these guys out," he said, after silting, nearby for a few innings, laughing, cheering and rocking with the Pack. "I love the way they inject enthusiasm and life into the game and you can tell how much they enjoy being here and cheering for the Phillies. I've had a great time just sitting here watching them have fun. They're wild." At one point during the game, when the Phillie Phanat-ic motored onto the carpet for his usual hijinx, one wolf hollered, "We need to get the Phanatic a wolfman mask." Minutes later, the section came alive to their favorite song, Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" blaring over the public address system.

Wolf growls very little English is spoken during a game, Just howls and growls followed when it was cut off to resume play. Finally, when Marlon Anderson pinch-hit for Wolf in the sixth inning, more growls and sad wolf whimpers, were heard from section 739. "We hate to see Randy come out," said Kevin Wood, "but a good wolf hangs in there with the Phils. We're gonna win this thing, you watch." Send e-mail to wuHigkphtllyiwwt.coni Last night, unaware of the police pedigree in the Wolf Pack, a couple punks attempted to steal the group's signature banner that adorns the front of the 700- level section. You don't outrun well-conditioned police officers.

The thieves didn't get far before the Wolf Pack had its sign back and delivered the teenagers to security for an early exit from the Vet. Call it a bonding moment for a pack of wolves that has become very popular at the Vet. "It's a shame some people have to do stuff like that and try to spoil a fun time," Kevin Wood said. "Our first game out here, a bunch of little kids joined us and it was really great to see them up here following our cheers and our dancing to the music. We encourage people to join us if they'd like, hopefully with wolf masks.

"But come to the park to have fun and pull for the Phils, not mess where you shouldn't be. Why would someone try to pull what they did? I guess tonight we showed you don't mess with the Wolf Pack." Shortly after the minor incident, with banner restored, Kevin was calling for the focus back on the game from everyone nearby. "I think we need a big howl," he hollered. "A real big Wolf Pack howl." Their 'Awwwoooooooooooooooo" echoed throughout the Vet. Like every strong club, the Wolf Pack is not without strictly enforced rules set down by lead wolf (alpha male?) Kevin: 1.

Everything is positive we can boo or growl at the umpires," he said. "Especially if they're hurting our man. 2. No alcoholic beverages. 3.

Wolf masks must be worn at all times in the front row. Wolf Kevin last night gave Pack members the thumb to the back of the Pack for removing their masks for some fresh air. Rule No. 4 came into play last night as well. Once Wolf is removed from the game, the masks come off, but the cheering continues.

The Pack was roaring before Scott PGnSDs eotdl adjveiniSMis'e, sagon top pflEre.r by Paul Hagen earned run average. He gave up only 25 hits in 78 innings, walked 34 and struck out 131. Baseball America rated him as the 12th-best player in the draft. Efforts to reach Myers were unsuccessfiJS," last night. "We're looking forward to watching him progress," Arbuckle said.

"We feel he'll be a good major league pitcher for us. "He's a big, strong kid who is an excellent competitor and very confident. His cur-, veball has the makings of being a power, pitch, too. $8 million, including a major league contract. The year before that, they were unable to come to terms with J.D.

Drew, who re-entered the draft. Myers is expected to work out with the team before tomorrow night's game against the Orioles and report to Clearwater, of the Gulf Coast (Rookie) League, next week. "It will be fun to see him throw on the side," manager Terry Francona said. Accompanied by his parents, Phil and Jan, his brother Blake and agent Craig Landis, he'll remain in Philadelphia through the weekend." During his senior iycar at Englewood High School, Myers wa 8-2 with an 0:89 hander from Jacksonville, agreed to a minor league contract, including a $2.05 million bonus. "We were at a point in time where the player was ready to go," scouting director Mike Arbuckle said.

"He has said from the beginning he didnt want this to go all summer." I Arbuckle said two days earlier that, if a resolution were not reached within the next week or so, the process could drag on for months. Still, these were the most low-key negotiations the Phillies have bad with a No. 1 draft choice in a while. Last year, they ended up giving first overall pick. Pat Burrell a package worth, Daily News Sports Writer Signing first-round draft picks hasn't been a job for the Phillies lately.

It's been an So all involved held their breath this week when the negotiations with No. 1 choice Brett Myers reached a critical juncture. Monday, the team made what it considered close to its final offer. Tuesday, Bobby Bradley signed with the Pirates for a $2.25 million bonus. That helped narrow the slot for Myers.

Bradley was the eighth overall picks, Myers the "i compare hint fcr.ct!rt-?rmmngr fip Yesterday, Myers, the 18-year-old right I'VUIfl'llll' WU Ill I.I IU, I i .1 J- ed 9pii' TJ W'in.